Budget approved in Senate

Oklahoma City, OK – OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Oklahoma Senate has given final approval to a $6.67 billion appropriations bill for the upcoming fiscal year that cuts most state agency budgets by about 7 percent.

The Senate on Friday voted 42-5 for the measure, which now heads to the House for final consideration.

The budget bill was the result of months of negotiations between Democratic Gov. Brad Henry and leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature, who grappled with how to fill a $1.2 billion deficit.

Bills to raise various fees, enhance tax collections and suspend state tax credits that will be used to balance the budget still must be approved by the House and Senate.

Lawmakers used about $500 million in federal stimulus money and $277 million in cash reserves, leaving only about $100 million in savings for next year's budget.